Our national drug is alcohol. We tend to regard the use of any other drug with special horror

Our national drug is alcohol. We tend to regard the use of any other drug with special horror

William S. Burroughs, a prominent figure in the Beat Generation and a renowned writer, was no stranger to the world of drugs and addiction. His own struggles with substance abuse, particularly heroin, were well-documented in his works and personal life. In his novel "Naked Lunch," Burroughs explores the dark and twisted world of drug addiction, drawing on his own experiences to create a vivid and harrowing portrait of the destructive power of drugs.

In the quote "Our national drug is alcohol. We tend to regard the use of any other drug with special horror," Burroughs touches on a profound truth about society's attitudes towards drug use. Alcohol, a legal and socially acceptable drug, is widely consumed and even celebrated in many cultures. It is readily available and often glamorized in media and advertising. However, when it comes to other drugs, particularly illegal substances like heroin or cocaine, there is a stigma and fear associated with their use.

Burroughs himself was a vocal critic of the hypocrisy and double standards surrounding drug use. He believed that the demonization of certain drugs while glorifying others was a form of societal control and manipulation. By singling out certain substances as "bad" or "dangerous," authorities could justify harsh drug laws and policies that disproportionately targeted marginalized communities.